It’s mid-November and once again I‘m engaged in Project FeederWatch, keeping a record of the number and species of birds visiting my back porch feeder area. As a veteran of this citizen science project started by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, both they and I are celebrating our 30th year engaged in this unique program. […]
Category: pine siskins
Superflight
It began with red-breasted nuthatches. In early August 2012, one of the largest irruptions of this northern species in living memory started with reports from counties in eastern Pennsylvania. By the end of November unprecedented numbers were recorded in all 67 counties in the state. In late September the first purple finches arrived in Pennsylvania […]
Putting Up the Feeders
I only put the feeders out as early as November because I am a veteran Project FeederWatch participant, having signed on for this citizen science project, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the first year it was offered. Last fall was its and my 26th season, and it began on November 10.
In Praise of January
In early January I listen to dire predictions from the local weather reporter. “Dangerous cold,” he says. “If you must go out, dress warmly. But try to stay indoors and keep warm.” No wonder most Americans are afraid to venture outside during the depths of winter. Yet it’s a glorious time to be abroad. The […]
Marcia Bonta 